Today I had a potential client request some information about a proofreading job. Turns out the client is Indian. And by Indian I don't mean Native American, I mean lives. in. India. Perhaps the physical distance between us caused him to be a bit zealous in his research before hiring a freelancer.

He asked for my resume, some international references, an hourly rate, an estimate on time needed to complete the job, a summary of my approach to the project, and some writing & proofreading samples. And this wouldn't seem unusual except that his proposed job is proofreading TWO sentences. That's right. Two sentences on the cover of a business plan.

The summary of my approach to the job would be longer than the job.

1. Read the sentences.2. Edit the sentences for grammar, punctuation and clarity.3. Submit the sentences for approval.

In the end, I sent the requested information. He selected another proofreader who is able to work onsite. In India. My suggested questions for his next proposal:1. Where do you live?2. Are you open to international travel for a 5-minute task?

Your right is something that is inherently yours. It's your right. Your right to free speech. Your right to bear arms. Your right to peaceful assembly. Get it?

Nothing however, makes me nuttier than misuse of your right. If you think I'm being a grammar freak, you're right. See what I did there? If I win the lottery, I might just put bilboards all across America explaining the difference between the two phrases. After all, it's my right.

When the home office is empty, and the rest of my family are all busy somewhere else, silence fills the house. Silence has a lot to say, actually, but he says it so quietly.

Today I tried to listen for what seemed like forever. It was only four minutes. That's right. Four minutes.

Here's what I heard:Rain.The air conditioner turning on. A car door closing in the garage. More rain. Then an oh-so-quiet nudging in my mind telling me that I should call my brother soon. It's been too long.

I love how the mind works when it has time to breathe.

And while my pace of life would indicate that I don't really like silence all that much, I do recognize the need for it and the value it can bring to my life. I've read at least a thousand blog posts or tweets about how important it is to "go silent" in the social media world every so often. Just disappear. Get off the Twitter grid. Let silence speak before your virtual world consumes you.

So what's the point of silence? It clears the mind. It's like a beach retreat for the creative side. You have a hammock, a breeze, and nowhere to plug in your phone. So I've made up my mind to allow for "clearing" on a more regular basis. Enjoying silence daily instead of waiting until the screaming world is so loud that I can only choose silence or die.

It's working. I still don't really enjoy it, but the time I take to listen instead of talk, the time to just wait in the silence and think...it's worth it. Even if it's only four minutes.

Copyworks is something that started long ago when I realized that I like to know things. I like learning about business, about sports, about people and their lives. It's a practical way to learn about a variety of topics.

However, writing (and reading other people's writing) is not my favorite way to learn. That's a big confession for a freelance copywriter, by the way. My favorite way to learn? People! I simply can't resist talking with people, getting to know what makes them happy or what makes them sad.

My family has always recognized this passion in me. And it makes them avoid running everyday errands with me. Why? Because a trip to Walmart can take a little longer with me than with the average person. And it just might be embarrassing to a errand-running companion when I spend a few extra minutes conversing with the girl scout sponsor selling cookies at the front door.

You see, I usually don't mind the delays. I don't mind the awkward "why are you interested in my life" glances from strangers. I love knowing. I love knowing you. The root of that hobby - the hobby of learning and knowing more - has taken me years to identify. But it's simple, if not a little bit self serving. As much as I love knowing, I also love being known. It's a securing, anchoring feeling. Being known means I don't have to explain my habits, my weirdness, my core beliefs. They are known, and I am known and accepted.

The ultimate knowing comes from my faith in Jesus. He knows me and doesn't cast me off. And I translate my appreciation for that love by total enjoyment of knowing others. That foundation has shaped my relationships, my interests, and ultimately, my business.

I could never be satisfied with a job that does nothing but make money. I know that sounds strange to many people. But for me, business needs to mean something. It needs to lead somewhere for it to be meaningful. And for me, it usually leads to the satisfaction of knowing. And that's enough for me.